Most dogs spend 10 hours or more every day without their human companions. Owners have busy lives and struggle to fit everything they need and want to do into their hectic schedules. Hobbies that you can share with your dog simplify your life and add enjoyment for both you and your dog. The same old walk around the block may get your dog a bit of physical activity, but her mind needs stimulation too. Paddling provides new experiences, sights, and scents that exercise her mind. Imagine kayaking past pelicans and sea lions with your dog standing at the bow, ears flying, or your pup lying contendly on your standup paddleboard as you get an early morning workout, or pulling the canoe up to a campsite while kids and dogs pile out to explore. Even in the most urban environments, paddling offers an escape from the pavement and a sense of freedom. Paddling together is good for both of you!

Kayak, canoe, or SUP (stand up paddleboard)?

Your choice will depend on your goals, your canine and human paddling partners, and where you paddle. Explore each type in depth in the appropriate section, but here are some general thoughts.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Kayak	Many different varieties to suit a wide variety of dogs and paddlers. Solo and tandem versions.	Depends on the type (see Kayak equipment).
Canoe	Room to move around, accommodates several dogs, or a big dog, as well as kids and/or camping gear. Can be paddled by one or two paddlers.	Tough for water-loving dogs to get out and in. Capsize recovery is difficult.
SUP	Simplicity, ease of off/on for both dog and paddler. Some boards are stable enough to accomodate big or multiple dogs and a single paddler.	Nearly impossible to stay dry in a cold climate. No gear storage. Limited to one person.

Consider the number of paddlers and passengers

Other combinations are possible and kids can be worked into the mix too!

Consider where you'll be paddling and how much you're willing to learn. Canoes and "sit inside" kayaks require special skills to recover from a capsize more than a short distance from shore.

If you plan to embark on multiday paddling adventures, you'll need a canoe or kayak that has enough storage capacity for the necessary gear and food.

Get off to a good start for a lifetime of paddling adventures!

• Acclimatize: give your pup time to get use to new things and provide lots of treats, praise and rewards
• Stabilize: don’t allow the paddlecraft to move, tip, or roll as your pup jumps on and off.
• Secure Footing: be sure to provide padding that gives your dog’s paws some purchase on slippery wet paddlecraft! I like rubberized bathmats because they are inexpensive, moveable, and provide great grip.

Adventurous dogs may hop on and love every minute from day one. Skittish or insecure dogs may need a slower pace. Even brave dogs may decide paddling isn’t for them if their first experience is unpleasant, so take some time to prepare. If your dog is already an avid swimmer, you’re at an advantage. If your dog is uncertain about water, you may want to start with simple water confidence, however it’s not essential provided that your pup wears a properly adjusted flotation device. We strongly recommend well-fitting PFDs for all canine and human paddlers even if they are good swimmers.

Many dogs love to swim. You can hardly keep them out of the water, in fact! Pup spends hours fetching sticks you toss from the shore of the lake without wearing a floatation device – also known as life jackets, life vests, personal/pet floatation devices (PFD), or canine flotation device (CFD), so why should she wear one when you go paddling?

• Most dogs are "sprint" swimmers, only going as far as you can throw the stick and back. Fatigue sets in faster than you think - especially in cold water.
• A good CFD has a handle that allows you to help pup back on the boat.
• A brightly colored CFD allows you and other boaters to see your dog easily.
• CFDs help insulate against cold water and reduce evaporative cooling when out of the water.